Injured Gabriel Agbonlahor fumes at opponent: “When they can't stop you, they foul you”

The Villa forward was forced off the pitch with a foot injury following Stearman’s late challenge during the 2-2 draw with their Midlands rivals on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old, who could now miss Saturday’s friendly clash with Nottingham Forest, posted a picture on Instagram to show his bandaged foot.

He said: “This is what happens when you play a local team in a pre-season friendly. When they can’t stop you they foul you!!!”

27-year-old Stearman left Agbonlahor in a heap with a very sloppy challenge. The Villa striker was in clear discomfort but rose to his feet and attempted to continue, though after wincing with every further step, he was soon taken off.

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood will hope Agbonlahor recovers in time for the club’s first Premier League game of the season when they travel to newly-promoted Bournemouth on August 8.

Villa are without Christian Benteke, who joined Liverpool in a £32.5million move, but have signed Jordan Ayew from Lorient and, according to reports, will sign Blackburn’s Rudy Gestede for £6m on Friday.